U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna from California is planning to host a Bitcoin and blockchain roundtable in Washington D.C. in early July, according to a private email seen by Bitcoin Magazine. The meeting is described as the most significant gathering between policymakers and innovation leaders in the blockchain industry to date. The roundtable is expected to feature officials from the Biden Administration, House, Senate, and American businessman Mark Cuban. The primary objective of the meeting is to discuss strategies to keep Bitcoin and blockchain innovation in the United States as a response to former President Donald Trump’s recent endorsements of the industry.
Trump has recently shown support for the Bitcoin industry by becoming the first President to accept Bitcoin Lightning payments for campaign donations. He has also pledged to end Joe Biden’s “war on crypto” and ensure that the future of Bitcoin and crypto is made in America. This shift in approach from the previous administration reflects a changing sentiment towards the crypto industry in Washington D.C. The meeting is significant as it could represent a warming of sentiment among democrats, given Khanna’s party affiliation. The roundtable could potentially shape the future of Bitcoin and blockchain regulation in the United States.
The Biden Administration has previously taken a hostile stance towards the Bitcoin and crypto industry. President Biden recently vetoed legislation that would have allowed highly regulated financial institutions to custody Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The Department of Justice also arrested the founders and CEO of the popular Bitcoin mixing service, the Samourai wallet, on charges of money laundering. Biden has compared crypto traders to “wealthy tax evaders” and his administration has published reports critical of Bitcoin and Proof of Work mining, while promoting a Central Bank Digital Currency.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Biden Administration is in talks to accept crypto donations through Coinbase Commerce, following Trump’s lead in accepting donations through Coinbase as well. The upcoming roundtable hosted by Congressman Khanna signals a potential shift in Washington’s approach to the crypto industry. It is expected to bring together key stakeholders in the industry to strategize on how to keep Bitcoin and blockchain innovation in the United States. The meeting could pave the way for a more positive outlook on the industry and potentially lead to new regulations and policies that support its growth and development.
Overall, the roundtable organized by Congressman Ro Khanna represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration between policymakers and innovation leaders in the blockchain industry. The meeting is set to bring together key officials from the Biden Administration, House, and Senate, as well as prominent figures like Mark Cuban. The primary goal of the roundtable is to strategize on how to maintain and support Bitcoin and blockchain innovation in the United States, in response to recent endorsements by former President Trump. The shift in approach from the Biden Administration towards accepting crypto donations and potential support for the industry reflects a changing sentiment towards cryptocurrencies in Washington D.C.